Better Chicken Commitment: Progress and Accountability

The Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) is a corporate pledge to improve broiler welfare by 2026, and monitoring progress and holding signatories accountable is essential.

Key Facts

The BCC requires signatories to source broilers to standards including 30kg/m2 stocking density, environmental enrichment and better breeds
Over 200 companies globally have signed the BCC including major retailers and food service companies
Progress against BCC commitments has been mixed, with some signatories reporting limited implementation
Slow-growing breeds required by the BCC take longer to reach slaughter weight, increasing costs
The 2026 deadline has prompted scrutiny of whether companies will meet, extend or abandon commitments

Welfare Considerations

The BCC represents one of the most ambitious corporate welfare commitments ever made for broiler chickens. If fully implemented it would benefit hundreds of millions of birds annually. However, corporate commitments without accountability mechanisms frequently fail to translate into real-world improvements. Transparent progress reporting, independent auditing and public accountability are essential to ensure BCC commitments deliver actual welfare improvements rather than remaining aspirational pledges.

What You Can Do

Use the BCC tracker tools from Compassion in World Farming to monitor company progress
Contact BCC signatories that are behind on their commitments to express concern
Support retailers that are actively implementing BCC standards ahead of the 2026 deadline
Share accurate information about BCC progress and accountability on social media
Advocate for stronger independent auditing requirements for corporate welfare commitments